Sunday, October 11, 2015

Barack Obama appeared on 60 minutes tonight. Among other issues, he discussed Vladimir Putin and the growing regional conflict centered in Syria. The American President is much better than most people when it comes to projecting nuanced body language in context. Yet, of course, he is human. He still leaks his emotions-thoughts more readily than he supposes. What follows are two nonverbal teaching points lifted out of this interview. Use these examples as exercises enabling you will better spot body language tells in your own day-to-day life.

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A clear Microexpression of Contempt when the President says the word, " ... of ..."

This (prolonged) nonverbal cluster of incredulity is highly consistent with his verbal statement of disbelief. What other emotions should come to mind when you see a partial mouth smile combined with a central forehead contraction?

Do you think this particular facial expression was "chosen" by Mr. Obama in this moment (e.g., acted) - or is it the President's sincere and unfiltered emotions showing through?

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This website serves as a reference source for the art and science of Body Language/Nonverbal Communication. The views and opinions expressed on this website are those of the author. In an effort to be both practical and academic, many examples from/of varied cultures, politicians, professional athletes, legal cases, public figures, etc., are cited in order to teach and illustrate both the interpretation of others’ body language as well as the projection of one’s own nonverbal skills in many different contexts – not to advance any political, religious or other agenda.

This website serves as a reference source for the art and science of Body Language/Nonverbal Communication. The views and opinions expressed on this website are those of the author. In an effort to be both practical and academic, many examples from/of varied cultures, politicians, professional athletes, legal cases, public figures, etc., are cited in order to teach and illustrate both the interpretation of others’ body language as well as the projection of one’s own nonverbal skills in many different contexts – not to advance any political, religious or other agenda.